Performing rituals is an integral part of every culture and community. Sometimes they are official, sublime, and then they are celebrated solemnly, and sometimes they have the form of subtle gestures, small practices that we do not even fully realize. There is always a specific intention behind the ritual – we have a wish or preference that we want to see embodied in life, and if someone believes in the power of rituals, they can come to our aid.
Place, time and props used are never accidental. They are chosen so as to strengthen the emotional connection of the participant with the idea that one would like to materialize. In this way, for example, we organize birthday parties or solemn graduations – these are also rituals we do in our lives.
Prague has decided to ritually say goodbye to the coronavirus epidemic and at the same time to open a new episode, a joyful summer. In order to highlight and celebrate a farewell to the crisis connected to the virus, a unique event was organized – an open table on the Charles Bridge. On the last day of June, symbolically, in the first half of the year we are closing the corona-crisis, and we are happily entering the holiday season and the second half of the year, free from fear. Since July, more restrictions have been reduced (though not all of them yet!) and this fact also emphasises the event’s meaning. The bridge itself also is quite a symbolic object – it connects two banks, allows you to pass from one side to the other. In addition, this particular bridge is also a symbol of Czechness, durability, and history to be proud of. This event can encourage us all to look inside ourselves and to summarize the first half of this year (and maybe even life). What are we grateful for, what skills, qualities and strength have we discovered in this unique period? How did we surprise ourselves and with what? Which capabilities have strengthened and weakened in us? What do we want to carry with us through life and what do we want to leave behind? What do we wish ourselves for further journey through 2020 and subsequent years? And those who did not take part in the celebration yesterday can do their own ritual of moving on, establish intentions for themselves. In any form that is good for you đ
And how did it look like yesterday in Prague? The table, covered with a white cloth, was placed along the entire bridge, and that is a distance of 515 meters. Anyone who wished to join it was invited to the feast, no fees were charged. The condition was to register as a participant, and to bring something to the common table.
To see people seated at a covered table on the Charles Bridge was really a unique experience and view. This bridge is always crowded at the peak of the tourist season, but this year the situation is quite different. It was decided to take advantage of the fact that there are much less people walking there nowadays and to invite all Prague people and visitors to meet while talking, eating, drinking and performing music. On the tables there were all sorts of treats present – from homemade salads and sandwiches, through cooked soups and stews, baked quiches, fresh fruit and vegetables, sweets, to fast-food dishes brought from the restaurants. The participants were enjoying themselves while circulating and mixing up, offering the goodies to one another, and greeting those who were joining or just passing by. Many brought their guitars and other musical instruments and so music, singing and buzzing conversations resounded around. The weather was supportive and lovely sunshine covered the whole feast. Such an event hasn’t been seen on the Charles bridge for a long time (maybe never?), and probably won’t be seen again any time soon.
